K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Maxine - 1st time homebuyers course being held at Muncipal Bldg, a free course
Nutting - we were issued a 20 year water permit which we have filed an appeal
issued a permit before the comment period was over
issued a permit before facts will be gathered later this year
Met on Storm Water regulations, 75 businesses would be affected by this, those with more than 2 acres of impervious acreage
Municipal permit also has quite high standards
downside is an increased cost to Town and businesses
They want us to keep cutting our ability to pump water. from 3.6 to 3.1 million gallons, we have capacity of 4 million gallons, we are way ahead of the curve so why punish us
There are different standard depending upon where the community is and where their water supply is from.
Earth Day - April 17th - at Beaver Pond
Project manager approved, architect in process of being acquired
Once we sign a feasibility agreement, we have 360 days to get an approval
L. OLD BUSINESS - none
M. NEW BUSINESS
Vallee- what do we have in our budget for road repairs?
Nutting - nothing specifically in our budget, we some state money, we could do a dedicated override for road repair, could only be used for that purpose unless changed by the voters take it away.
Nutting - an issue is you can only borrow money for road repair for 5 years. We don't want to fix all the roads all at once. We have a high school vote coming up and we don't know what the state reimbursement will be.
Capital subcommittee has made a request to develop such a budget.
Vallee - I can wait until after the budget to consider this
Whalen - can you give us an update on Local Aid?
Nutting - the Senate took a 1.1 million out of our expected local revenue over the Gov proposal of $330,000
N. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Powderly - thanks to Debbie, for coming today
Franklin Food Pantry has partnered with Tangerini Farms, a way to purchase via Tangerini to provide to the Food Pantry
Zollo - thanks to Nutting for the help to the Scout troop
working on their
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Negotiations, Litigation, Real Property, as May Be Required
P. ADJOURN
Franklin, MA
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Live reporting - charter changes
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS –
1. Discussion of Proposed Charter Amendments
Nutting - 1978 changed to home rule charter
1 way via charter commission via elected members
2 way via home rule, council proposes changes, legislature changes, then town voters have final approval
Council has talked of this process for last several years
Charter committee made report in June
Council subcommittee made study of report and made recommendation including some technical recommendations
discussion on the process, Council has option to set up the questions as one whole package or several questions
Vallee thinks this should be done via the elected Charter Commission as done previously in 1978, he also feels that the positions should remain elected not appointed.
Kelly - agrees with the recommendation to have the Treasurer certified, Dacey made a valid argument last week for this. Kelly goes on to agree that the person when appointed should become a resident. He doesn't think that we would have the problem that Worcester has (in not being able to get a qualified person who also is willing to move to Worcester)
Powderly -
Zollo - I want to reiterate what I said last week, Planning Board, Board of Assessors, Constables, should remain elected positions. They are volunteer positions. I am concerned about the next generation of Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector should be appointed to ensure that we get the best qualified folks for these roles. The positions are key to the ongoing operations of the town.
Pfeffer - Treasurer/Collector should be appointed, the other positions should be elected. Town Clerk needs to be a Franklin resident
Whalen - I support the Treasure/Collector and Town Clerk being appointed. I don't feel strongly about the other three positions. As the Town increases in size, the necessity of these positions (Treasurer/Clerk) would be all the more required to be the most qualified.
Mason - I have been thinking about this a lot, I agree with the irony that Shannon mentioned. The person coming after the Town Clerk and Treasurer will have mighty big shoes to fill. Certainly you would hope that the next appointed or elected official would have the same diligence. Change needs to be change for the better, I would support those positions as appointed.
Vallee - We have always had excellent Town Clerks. I do not know of a compelling argument to have these change to appointed.
Debbie Pellegri - In 1978, people were afraid of giving up their voice, their say. They were willing to do so because they were promised that nothing would be changed without the people voting.
An elected Town Clerk is important, 278 chapters and sections in the MA General Law. Not just the dog tags, impounded records. Executive minutes. As for elections, I work for the Secretary of the State. There are so many parts to my position that warrant being elected. You go to school, you have your peers to help you. Knowing that you were elected makes me feel good.
I would strongly recommend getting an elected Charter Commission. Nothing is so dire that it needs to be done now.
Vallee - objections to a number of the other minor technical items
Nutting - answers the objections point by point in acknowledgment of the operations that have really been in practice for some time.
Vallee - still objects
Nutting - the only issue to be further clarified or voted on is the Clerks position, the others are relatively straightforward
Sherlock - depending upon what the document is as drafted, the Council can choose to vote on the whole or in part, what is accepted by the Council goes to the State (House, Senate, Governor) and then it comes back to the voters. So no matter what is decided, the voters do still get their final say either at the election in November this year or in the next general election
Franklin, MA
1. Discussion of Proposed Charter Amendments
Nutting - 1978 changed to home rule charter
1 way via charter commission via elected members
2 way via home rule, council proposes changes, legislature changes, then town voters have final approval
Council has talked of this process for last several years
Charter committee made report in June
Council subcommittee made study of report and made recommendation including some technical recommendations
discussion on the process, Council has option to set up the questions as one whole package or several questions
Vallee thinks this should be done via the elected Charter Commission as done previously in 1978, he also feels that the positions should remain elected not appointed.
Kelly - agrees with the recommendation to have the Treasurer certified, Dacey made a valid argument last week for this. Kelly goes on to agree that the person when appointed should become a resident. He doesn't think that we would have the problem that Worcester has (in not being able to get a qualified person who also is willing to move to Worcester)
Powderly -
Zollo - I want to reiterate what I said last week, Planning Board, Board of Assessors, Constables, should remain elected positions. They are volunteer positions. I am concerned about the next generation of Town Clerk and Treasurer/Collector should be appointed to ensure that we get the best qualified folks for these roles. The positions are key to the ongoing operations of the town.
Pfeffer - Treasurer/Collector should be appointed, the other positions should be elected. Town Clerk needs to be a Franklin resident
Whalen - I support the Treasure/Collector and Town Clerk being appointed. I don't feel strongly about the other three positions. As the Town increases in size, the necessity of these positions (Treasurer/Clerk) would be all the more required to be the most qualified.
Mason - I have been thinking about this a lot, I agree with the irony that Shannon mentioned. The person coming after the Town Clerk and Treasurer will have mighty big shoes to fill. Certainly you would hope that the next appointed or elected official would have the same diligence. Change needs to be change for the better, I would support those positions as appointed.
Vallee - We have always had excellent Town Clerks. I do not know of a compelling argument to have these change to appointed.
Debbie Pellegri - In 1978, people were afraid of giving up their voice, their say. They were willing to do so because they were promised that nothing would be changed without the people voting.
An elected Town Clerk is important, 278 chapters and sections in the MA General Law. Not just the dog tags, impounded records. Executive minutes. As for elections, I work for the Secretary of the State. There are so many parts to my position that warrant being elected. You go to school, you have your peers to help you. Knowing that you were elected makes me feel good.
I would strongly recommend getting an elected Charter Commission. Nothing is so dire that it needs to be done now.
Vallee - objections to a number of the other minor technical items
Nutting - answers the objections point by point in acknowledgment of the operations that have really been in practice for some time.
Vallee - still objects
Nutting - the only issue to be further clarified or voted on is the Clerks position, the others are relatively straightforward
Sherlock - depending upon what the document is as drafted, the Council can choose to vote on the whole or in part, what is accepted by the Council goes to the State (House, Senate, Governor) and then it comes back to the voters. So no matter what is decided, the voters do still get their final say either at the election in November this year or in the next general election
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Legislation
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION –
1. Resolution 10-10: Acceptance of Law Chapter 479 of the Acts of 2008
regarding acceptance of actual study for every 3 years, instead of every 2 (saving money)
no downside to acceptance, will need to start setting aside money to fund the liability
Whalen - this is not an issue unique to Franklin, every community is faced with this
motion to accept, passed 6-0
Added resolution 10-11 acceptance of donation from Pierce Murphy for Conservation Commission
Motion to accept, passed 6-0
2. Bylaw Amendment 10-642: Amendment to Chapter 181-6:Wetlands Protection; Notice and Hearings – 1st Reading
Nick Alferi - Conservation Agent
change language in bylaw, treats two avenues for change the same, the State Law make the applicability less ownersome and less costly, applicable to residents
motion to move to second reading - passed 6-0
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-639: Amendment to Chapter 185-5 Zoning map- 2nd reading
Bryan Taberner, Planning Director
previously discussed, adds 11 parcels to current map to come under the zoning for biotech operations
preparation overall for when the economy does turn around
motion to approve, passed 6-0
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-640-: Amendment to Chapter 185-42: Biotechnology Uses- 2nd Reading
Brian - again this has been here before, this one removes the special permit required from the Town Council and should bring the town permitting process into alignment with the top communities
Kelly arrives
Advertising currently within real estate journals, will expand now that this is coming into effect into the trade journals to help attract
Has 16,000 in advertising budget will need to spend some on Planning/Conservation so about half would be available for biotech
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
1. Resolution 10-10: Acceptance of Law Chapter 479 of the Acts of 2008
regarding acceptance of actual study for every 3 years, instead of every 2 (saving money)
no downside to acceptance, will need to start setting aside money to fund the liability
Whalen - this is not an issue unique to Franklin, every community is faced with this
motion to accept, passed 6-0
Added resolution 10-11 acceptance of donation from Pierce Murphy for Conservation Commission
Motion to accept, passed 6-0
2. Bylaw Amendment 10-642: Amendment to Chapter 181-6:Wetlands Protection; Notice and Hearings – 1st Reading
Nick Alferi - Conservation Agent
change language in bylaw, treats two avenues for change the same, the State Law make the applicability less ownersome and less costly, applicable to residents
motion to move to second reading - passed 6-0
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-639: Amendment to Chapter 185-5 Zoning map- 2nd reading
Bryan Taberner, Planning Director
previously discussed, adds 11 parcels to current map to come under the zoning for biotech operations
preparation overall for when the economy does turn around
motion to approve, passed 6-0
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 10-640-: Amendment to Chapter 185-42: Biotechnology Uses- 2nd Reading
Brian - again this has been here before, this one removes the special permit required from the Town Council and should bring the town permitting process into alignment with the top communities
Kelly arrives
Advertising currently within real estate journals, will expand now that this is coming into effect into the trade journals to help attract
Has 16,000 in advertising budget will need to spend some on Planning/Conservation so about half would be available for biotech
motion to approve, passed 7-0
Franklin, MA
Live reporting - Town Council
Present: Kelly (late), Vallee, Whalen, Mason, Pfeffer, Zollo, Powderly
Absent: Jones, McGann
Change to agenda - moving Legislation for Approval up sooner in the meeting
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 20, February 3, February 10, & March 3, 2010
motion to approve, passed 6-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you had damage from the storm
contact the Fire Chief, he will need some details on type of damage,
floor or basement, covered by insurance or not,
the information is being collected for a state level report on the damaged caused by the storm
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
Franklin, MA
Absent: Jones, McGann
Change to agenda - moving Legislation for Approval up sooner in the meeting
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 20, February 3, February 10, & March 3, 2010
motion to approve, passed 6-0
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you had damage from the storm
contact the Fire Chief, he will need some details on type of damage,
floor or basement, covered by insurance or not,
the information is being collected for a state level report on the damaged caused by the storm
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS - none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS - none
E. APPOINTMENTS - none
F. HEARINGS - none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - none
Franklin, MA
DARE Summer Camps announced
The Franklin Police announce the DARE Summer Camps for 2010
The release form for those attending can be found here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/2010DARECAMP/2010DARECAMPRelease.pdf
Franklin, MA
Camp Information
Time: 8:00 am — 1:00 pm
Dress: Grey shorts, White T-shirt, and athletic sneakers
Please have your child bring a snack and water bottle each day
Monday: Drop off/pick up at the police station
Tuesday - Friday: Drop off/pick up Meadowlark Field
Friday - Graduation at 12:00 followed by a family cookout.
Each morning we will begin camp with stretching and exercise. We will be outside rain or shine so if it calls for rain you may want to send your child to camp with a change of clothes. Also please remember sun-block.
Camps fill quickly and limited space is available so we ask that you only sign your child up for a week where they will be able to attend every day.
Cost: $150
This donation will be used to fund the DARE camp and activities through out the year.
Make checks payable to: Franklin Police DARE
The release form for those attending can be found here:
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_Police/2010DARECAMP/2010DARECAMPRelease.pdf
Franklin, MA
"it's a wonderful community event"
The basketball game last year drew 1,200 people and raised $6,000 to fund field trips and cultural programs for students of the school.
"We're killing two birds with one stone," said Parent Communication Council Treasurer Erin Long. "Families get to go out for a great night, and we raise money for field trips."
Long, who is again organizing the event with former treasurer Karen Ayotte for the second year in a row, said the Harlem Wizards - a basketball show-team similar to the Globetrotters - will take on a group of students, teachers and community members at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Sullivan Principal Beth Wittcoff said four students from each grade, five teachers, three alumni, Principal Paul Peri from Remington Middle School and School Committee Chairman Jeffrey Roy will comprise the Sullivan Rockets.
Franklin students to battle Harlem Wizards
from The Milford Daily News News RSSFranklin, MA
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